Table of contentsBaby Theresa's Case: A Complex Ethical QuandaryThe Definition of DeathOrgan DonationBeneficence vs. Non-MaleficenceOrgan Donation EthicsAutonomyBeneficenceNon-MaleficenceJusticeApplying Ethical Principles to Baby Theresa's CaseAutonomyBeneficenceNon-MaleficenceJusticeLiving Organ Donation: Complex Ethical ConsiderationsRisk -Benefit Analysis Informed Consent Alternative Options Conclusion The case of Baby Theresa, a newborn born with anencephaly in 1992, triggered a profound ethical debate regarding organ donation, the definition of death and the limits of medical intervention. This essay delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding Baby Theresa's case, examines the ethical principles relevant to organ donation, and examines the complexities of living organ donation, with an emphasis on risk-benefit analysis and undue influence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay Baby Theresa's Case: A Complex Ethical Dilemma Baby Theresa's case was a poignant illustration of the complexities surrounding organ donation and end-of-life decisions. Born with anencephaly, a condition in which a large part of one's brain is missing, her situation was medically dire. However, several ethical dilemmas emerged that required careful consideration. The Definition of Death One of the main ethical challenges in Baby Theresa's case was the definition of death. Traditional criteria for declaring death, such as cessation of brain and heart activity, presented a unique challenge. Baby Theresa's brainstem, responsible for vital functions like breathing, remained intact. This raised deep questions about whether she could be ethically and legally declared dead while her body continued to show signs of life. Organ Donation The next ethical dilemma revolved around organ donation. Baby Theresa's parents, with empathy and altruistic intent, wanted to donate her organs, primarily her kidneys, to other infants in need. This presented a moral conundrum: Is it ethically justifiable to sacrifice one life to save others, especially when the life in question had a limited prognosis? maleficence. Beneficence, with its emphasis on good, was evident in the potential benefits that could accrue from organ transplantation. Saving the lives of other infants through organ donation was an altruistic act rooted in the principle of beneficence. However, non-maleficence, which involves avoiding harm, has raised concerns about whether organ donation could hasten baby Theresa's death, potentially causing her harm. These principles include autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. AutonomyThe principle of autonomy states that individuals have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. In Baby Theresa's case, autonomy passed into the hands of her parents, who had to decide what they felt was best for their child, given her condition. Beneficence Beneficence, the principle of doing good, is at the heart of the ethics of organ donation. Organ transplantation could potentially benefit recipients by offering them a chance to live longer and healthier lives. This corresponds to the principle of beneficence. Non-maleficence Non-maleficence, or the duty to do no harm, became complex in the case of Baby Theresa. Although organ donation may have benefited other infants, it raised ethical concerns about whether it could harm Baby Theresa by hastening her death.JusticeJustice requires a.